Designing social spaces around railway tracks

Mathewella George
Apr 26, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Jun 27, 2020

Manohar M | This project seeks to take advantage of the unused areas along railway tracks to create better environment, more social space, better connectivity in the ward, etc.

Project description

Project idea

Designing the space around the railway tracks to host more activities can create more social interaction among the community, stop garbage dumping in the space, create open breathable spaces in congested areas, give space for public utilities and connect different areas together.

Need for the project

The railway tracks in the ward are quite isolated and away from people's view, which makes it a perfect place for unofficial garbage dumping, which results in tons of garbage along it. The ward lacks open areas and feels congested. the railway tracks split areas in two which makes moving between them difficult. There is a lack of areas where casual activities can take place.

Objective of the project

- Provide open clean space for different activities - Help increase the connectivity - Provide space for public utilities - Bring people closer to nature - Improve the visual aesthetic of the area

Project site details

Site selection criteria

1. First criteria: The site selected is next to a residential area

2. Second criteria: It has a lot of open space that hasn’t been utilized

3. Third criteria:The railway tracks split the residential area from the outer ring road, which disconnects them from bus stops and hinders connectivity to other areas

4. Fourth criteria: A lot of garbage is dumped along the tracks which needs to be addressed

5. Fifth criteria: The one point where people can cross the railway track is narrow and causes heavy traffic, and is very dangerous and uncomfortable for pedestrians.

6. Sixth criteria: This area feels very congested and needs more open spaces that can be experienced.

7. Seventh criteria: No area nearby for children to play, even with a residential area next to it.

Site details

Area of the site - 32350 sqm
Main access roads are Marathahalli outer ring road, Chinnappanahalli main road
Key features are the site is next to a residential area and the Marathahalli outer ring road, lot of free open spaces next to the railway track, next to Karthik Nagar bus stop, many roads surrounding the periphery.